Former South Carolina women' basketball star Tiffany Mitchell has been waived by the Las Vegas Aces on Monday afternoon. This brings a sudden end to her brief stint alongside fellow Gamecock legend A'ja Wilson.
The roster shakeup came after the Aces pulled off a high-profile trade with the Dallas Wings to acquire forward NaLyssa Smith in a move that will significantly shift the team's rotation and depth. In addition to Mitchell being cut, Las Vegas also waived rookie center Liz Kitley to make room for Smith.
For Gamecock fans, Mitchell's signing earlier this year was a feel-good moment as it was a reunion between the two Gamecock icons. Mitchell and Wilson overlapped for two seasons in Columbia under head coach Dawn Staley, helping to lay the foundation for South Carolina's rise to fame. Mitchell, a two-time SEC Player of the Year, was one of the program's early stars under Staley. She has remained a fan favorite throughout her decorated career.
While her time with the Aces was short, Mitchell remains a proven veteran in the WNBA with several strong seasons under her belt, primarily with the Indiana Fever. She was selected No. 9 overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft. Her next move is unknown at the time, but given her experience and versatility as a guard, there is a strong chance that another team in need of veteran depth will come calling.
Although it stings to see the Gamecock duo split up so soon, for now Gamecock fans can keep cheering A'ja on while we wait to see where Tiffany Mitchell lands next.